Tips for Tourists on Safety in South Africa

This is generally a website geared towards helping online entrepreneurs become successful at making a profit using the Internet but every so often I like to throw something a little different into the mix. South Africa is a beautiful, wonderful country but there is a high rate of crime and travellers and tourists need to be aware and a little “street wise” when visiting this wonderful land. I have put together a brief article below featuring what I feel to be some of the most important safety tips and advice that a visitor should take note of when here.

Luggage – Travel light. Criminals can spot tourists from miles away and generally when on holiday most of us tend to be a little vulnerable as we relax and let our guards down. There are many opportunities for thieves to steal expensive luggage and they do, a lot. Travel with only your essential needs whenever possible.

Image – Dress Plainly. Try not to wear expensive clothing and particularly not expensive jewellery. Thieves are often on the look-out for what they can grab and sell in their local areas to others. Avoid wearing flashy jackets, boots, sneakers etc. If you are staying in a hotel then they should provide safes for any of your valuables.

Carry credit cards rather than cash.

Carry a verified copy of your passport instead of having the original with you wherever you go.

Remain alert when you are in streets or roads where there is quite a bit of activity. You almost need eyes in the back of your head in busy streets. Make sure wallets, purses or handbags are not loosely hung over your arm or hanging or sticking out of pockets and bags making them easy for a criminal to grab and run.

When driving on the South African roads, pay attention to all speed limits, be careful when pulling away from the traffic lights (Robots as they are called here) as many accidents happen due to people jumping the red light. If you are driving long distance be aware that distances between petrol stations can exceed 300 Kilometres. Make sure you wear your seat belts, never pick up hitchhikers and be extra aware when pulling up at traffic lights of the people around outside. In the absolute unfortunate event that you are hijacked, do not try and struggle or be a hero, simply co-operate with the criminals and keep yours and your families or friends safety in mind as priority. Let them get away with ANY belongings they may take.

Do not stop to rest, eat or relieve yourself at the side of the road when travelling long distance, find a garage preferrably with proper bathrooms and rest areas.

When driving on the highways and roads under bridges, be on the lookout for people on the bridge above. There have been many rock throwing incidents reported over time. Also, if anything hits your car while you are driving such as chippings or whatever else and you are in a strange looking or dodgy looking area, DO NOT stop. Even if your tyres have burst, keep driving to the nearest safe place such as a garage. Rather ruin the car than lose your life.

Always travel with a cellphone and in the event that you do break down on the road, phone somebody you know immediately letting them know your location.

Never use the public transport on your own as a tourist and particularly try to avoid travel by train unless it is an organised package deal with a group.

Do not enter locations or townships by yourself or with a friend for any reason. The only time it is relatively safe to enter a township is when you are part of a guided tour. Personally I do not agree with these tours but that’s my opinion, they are regarded safe by many tour operators.

I’m sure there is a lot more advice and information to help those visiting South Africa to be safe. These are just my few thoughts and with the FIFA soccer world cup being held in the country in 2010 I thought it would be an idea to put together some useful and practical tips for tourists visiting this beautiful land that hopefully can be made use of.

You may also be interested in:

1. Big Wave Surfing South Africa
2. Save Yourself Some Money With These 5 Top Tips
3. Offerforge – Affiliate Program For South Africa and US